Wisconsin Access to Justice Commission
MEDIA ADVISORY

Wisconsin Access to Justice Commission Hosts Community Hearing

Madison, WI – On Tuesday, September 18 at 4:30
p.m., the Wisconsin Access to
Justice Commission is hosting a community hearing on the challenges
facing low-income residents when they need legal help.

The Wisconsin Access to Justice Commission was created by the Wisconsin
Supreme Court and the State Bar of Wisconsin to help expand access to
the civil justice system for low-income Wisconsin residents. According
to organizers, providing equal access justice is a hallmark of the rule
of law. It also plays a critical role in an individual’s financial
stability and affects the local economy.

“The Access to Justice Commission hearing will provide an
opportunity for us to learn more from both service providers and clients
about the obstacles to accessing affordable, quality legal services for
the poor and underserved in our community. These individuals have legal
needs that, if not addressed, can present barriers to achieving economic
stability and security in people's lives,” said Prof. Marsha
Mansfield, a member of the Commission and Director of the Economic
Justice Institute at UW Law School.

The Wisconsin Access to Justice Commission was created by an order
of the Wisconsin Supreme Court in response to a petition
filed by the State Bar of Wisconsin. Our mission is to develop and
encourage means of expanding access to the civil justice system for
unrepresented low-income Wisconsin residents. We are governed by a 17
member board appointed by our stakeholders: the Wisconsin Supreme Court,
the Governor, the State Bar of Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Legislature,
Marquette University Law School, the University of Wisconsin Law School
and the Wisconsin Trust Account Foundation. Learn more at www.wisatj.org.